The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Chalazion

Chronic granulomatous inflammation of a meibomian gland presenting as painless eyelid nodule.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Chalazion?

Chalazion is a chronic, sterile, granulomatous inflammation of a meibomian (tarsal) gland or Zeis gland in the eyelid, caused by obstruction of the gland duct with stasis of lipid secretions. Unlike a hordeolum (stye), it is typically painless and develops slowly over weeks. It presents as a firm, well-circumscribed, non-tender nodule on the upper or lower eyelid.

Chalazia are common in adults aged 30-50 and may recur in patients with rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or chronic blepharitis. Most resolve spontaneously over weeks to months. Persistent or large chalazia may distort vision by inducing astigmatism through pressure on the cornea. Recurrent or atypical lesions warrant biopsy to exclude sebaceous gland carcinoma.

Symptoms

Painless, firm eyelid nodule
Gradual onset over days to weeks
Heaviness or fullness of the eyelid
Mild eyelid swelling without warmth
Possible blurred vision from corneal pressure
Skin overlying the nodule appears normal
Tenderness only if secondary infection develops

Risk Factors

Chronic blepharitis
Rosacea (especially ocular rosacea)
Seborrheic dermatitis
Previous chalazion or hordeolum
Poor eyelid hygiene
Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy)
Diabetes mellitus
Immunosuppression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Eyelid nodule persisting more than 4-6 weeks
  • Recurrent chalazia in same location
  • Vision changes from eyelid mass
  • Rapid growth or atypical appearance
  • Significant cosmetic concern
  • Signs of secondary infection (pain, warmth, redness)

Treatment Methods

01
Warm compresses 10-15 minutes 4 times daily
02
Eyelid massage to express gland contents
03
Eyelid hygiene with diluted baby shampoo
04
Topical antibiotic-steroid combination if inflamed
05
Intralesional triamcinolone injection for persistent lesions
06
Surgical incision and curettage through tarsal conjunctiva
07
Histopathologic examination of recurrent lesions to exclude malignancy
08
Treatment of underlying blepharitis or rosacea

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.